Flu in Babies: Symptoms, Care & When to Worry | Parenting Hub
Flu hits babies harder than a cold — high fever, body aches and a wiped-out child. Here's how to care for them and when to seek help.
Flu isn't just a bad cold. It comes on fast with high fever, body aches and a wiped-out baby. Most recover at home in a week — here's what to watch.
How flu looks
- Sudden high fever (often 39–40°C)
- Cough, runny or blocked nose, sore throat
- Body aches, headache, miserable and limp
- Sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea
- Symptoms typically last 5–7 days; cough longer
Home care
- Plenty of fluids: breast/formula or water + small frequent sips
- Rest in a cool, quiet room
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever-related discomfort if baby is over 1 month (paracetamol) or 3 months and 5 kg (ibuprofen)
- Saline drops + suction for blocked noses
- Do NOT give aspirin to under-16s — risk of Reye syndrome
Prevention
Annual flu vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for children 6 months – 5 years. Vaccinating pregnant women and carers also protects babies under 6 months.
When to seek help
- Under 3 months with any fever — ED today
- Fast or laboured breathing, ribs sucking in, blue lips
- Very drowsy, floppy or hard to rouse
- Refusing fluids, fewer wet nappies
- Seizure, neck stiffness, rash that doesn't fade under glass — 000
Common questions
Are antibiotics needed?
No — flu is a virus. Antibiotics are only added if a secondary bacterial infection (pneumonia, ear infection) develops.